Strapping Prophet had won a Northam maiden this time last year before placing in all bar one of his next ten starts prior to an overdue breakthrough on Bolton Sprint Day at Belmont.
Trainer Steph Bakranich didn’t give up on the most consistent galloper in her Bullsbrook yard and he repaid that faith in the Westspeed Platinum Hcp (1600m) on Saturday. Paying his way with earnings over $120,000 in the last twelve months has also been a factor for a patient partnership managed by Greg Wright.
Strapping Prophet (4g Universal Ruler – Black Prophet by Fusaichi Pegasus) settled midfield behind front-runner Our Rocky Bay (Awesome Rock) and then took advantage of a saloon passage through the field at the top of the straight.
Racing with a Nose Roll and the addition of Winkers for the first time, he forged clear with head held high to score by two lengths from Ginger Green (Gingerbread Man). “He finally decided today was the day,” Bakranich declared. “When he got to the front I yelled ‘Don’t stop now’ and Thank God he got the job done.
“Jason (Whiting) rode a good race as usual and the unimpeded run made a big difference.”
Strapping Prophet is one of five winners from well-bred mare Black Prophet who is a half-sister to G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Divine Prophet (Choisir) and Group 1 sire Proisir (Choisir). Second-dam Prophet Jewel (Encosta De Lago) is still active and has a yearling filly named Eternal Jewel (State Of Rest) with owner-breeder Tony Falcone.
Strapping Prophet wins the Westspeed Platinum Hcp Photo / Western Racepix
“He must be frustrating for the owners but running second is better than finishing last,” Whiting reasoned. “He picked up then let down nicely when I went for the stick. Hopefully, he can focus on winning now.”
Mt Barker based Norm and Jeannine Burren bred and sold him for $30,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale through their consignment from Clare Downs Stud which is situated in the heart of the Porongurups
The Great Southern couple bought into the family when John Chalmers (as agent) paid $50,000 for Black Prophet at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale when she was carrying Pinjarra winner Woodruff (Olympic Glory).
Clare Downs Stud enters a select draft of yearlings every year at the Perth Magic Millions. There were eight lots catalogued in February with the top-priced $100,000 son of Playing God purchased by Noel Carter (Commercial Bloodstock) for trainer Steve Wolfe.
Now named Insanity Laughs, he was sold (as agent) for Loloma Farms and is the first foal out of G3 Gimcrack Stakes placed Come Magic (He’s A Decoy).
